Messi Current Contract and Weekly Wage
Lionel Messi signed a two-year contract with Inter Miami CF in June 2023, with an option for a third year. His reported base salary is roughly $45 million per year, which translates to about $865,000 per week before taxes and local deductions. The deal also includes a share of the club's equity and commercial revenue, making his total compensation package significantly higher than the base wage alone. For the latest official figures, see the club's public filings and reports from Forbes, which detail the structure of the deal.
The contract structure differs from typical MLS salary cap rules because Inter Miami used targeted allocation money and additional incentives to bring Messi to the club. His base wage places him among the highest-paid players in North American soccer history, though the total package is lower than his final years at Paris Saint-Germain. The agreement also includes performance bonuses tied to on-field results and commercial milestones.
Messi Wage Compared to Other Athletes and Soccer Stars
Messi's weekly wage at Inter Miami is lower than his peak earnings at Barcelona and PSG, where his total compensation exceeded $70 million per year at the highest point. In the broader sports landscape, his current wage is still well above the average MLS salary, which sits around $400,000 per year for most players. When compared to top athletes in the NBA, NFL, and MLB, Messi's current package ranks among the highest in terms of annual guaranteed earnings.
Global soccer salaries vary widely by league, and Messi's move to MLS marked a shift in how top international stars are compensated in the United States. His contract set a new benchmark for future high-profile signings in the league, influencing how clubs structure deals with marquee players. The financial details also highlight the role of equity shares and off-field revenue in modern athlete compensation.
How Messi's Earnings Are Structured and Invested
Beyond the base wage, Messi's earnings include equity in Inter Miami CF and a share of the club's commercial and media rights. The ownership group, which includes Jorge Mas and David Beckham, structured the deal to align Messi's income with the long-term growth of the franchise. This means his total financial return depends on the club's performance, brand value, and revenue growth over time.
Messi has also expanded his personal brand through investments and business ventures, including his own line of products and partnerships with global brands. His financial strategy focuses on long-term wealth building rather than relying solely on playing salary, a model common among elite athletes nearing the end of their careers. For a deeper look at the business side of his earnings, the SEC filings and investor relations materials from Inter Miami provide additional transparency on the deal's structure.